Hi, I'm a technical ministries consultant

That's what I'd like to be able to say at some point in the future. I really would like to apply all that I have learned in audio, lighting, video, and computers to improving the use of media and technology in churches. Yesterday was a small step towards that. Victory Christian Centre hired me for a short consultation on their sound system.

I'd like to thank Steve Clarke and Victory for hiring me. I hope that they feel I was worth their money. I really appreciate that Steve recognized that the value I provide him is not just my time, but also all the time and effort that went into learning what I know. I'm afraid that will be an uncommon experience among churches that want to spend the minimum possible to eliminate technical complaints. I'm all for good stewardship, but striving for technical excellence is not equivalent to minimum effort to eliminate technical complaints.

So anyway, thanks again to Steve and Victory for offering to pay me more than I would have asked for on my first paid consulting job.

September 28, 2002

Kerry is smart

I'm really proud of Kerry. Yesterday she was awarded a scholarship. I'll probably get the details wrong but it is something like the most promising new research in the Dalhousie Psych department or something. The Hebb Award. Apparently it's a big deal to win this. Congratulations, Kerry!

Hello from the Middle East

12 days to YC!

Get those last minute registrations in! As of yesterday I think there were 1843 registered, which is about 12 away from our total 2001 registration. I think we're going to approach 2000 attendees this year, and maybe more. The Gander Community Centre can only hold a little more than 2000, so if you're registering on site, get there early!

The last few days have been totally absorbed with YC preparations. Despite a few technical glitches, I'm feeling very excited about this year! My area, technical production is shaping up well. Our guest speakers and musical lineup is excellent! This YC is going to be better than ever, so if you can be there, watching the webcast at ycnewfoundland.org is the next best thing.

Interesting side note: the YC committee was recently contacted by the principal of a Christian high school in the US. Apparently this man wants to come to YC and volunteer. I don't know if there is a connection with Gander hosting Americans stranded on 2001-Sept-11, but whatever the reason, I think it's pretty cool that this guy wants to help!

Thesis? What thesis?

Thesis work has been at a crawl in the last week, I hate to admit. Not a standstill, but next door. The unexpected YC troubles on Thursday postponed my 'get back to schoolwork' date until today, but I think I do have a little room to put YC prep on the back burner for the next few days. Last Wednesday I also took a day to help my sister and brother-in-law paint their basement to have it ready to rent on Oct 1...

Oh, yeah, I'm getting old...

...speaking of Oct 1. 26 years. Sheesh. This past year has evaporated. I can't believe 26 is only 3 days away. At least I'll get some gifts. Kerry's already arrived in the mail and I can't wait to open it!

September 17, 2002

Ain't technology great? My Mom

My Mom just called
from Doha, Qatar, where it is approximately 7:15 PM (I think) to say that
she arrived safely and had a good trip. She hadn't even taken her shoes
off after arriving from the airport.

September 16, 2002

Well, YC is getting

Well, YC is getting closer, time is getting short
on my research and thesis, and my mother leaves for Qatar today. I intend
to start updating this a little more regularly just in case mom remembers
how to find my website.

While I'm at it, if anybody out there knows of a cheap source for
plexiglass, I'll be forever in your debt.

I had a great trip to Halifax last week. Kerry's apartment is very nice,
and I thoroughly enjoyed the Halifax International Air Show. Thanks to Kerry
for coming with me on our last full day together.

I also highly recommend
the Argentia ferry route for communting to St. John's from the North American
mainland. I'll gladly pay an extra $60 to swap a 10 hour day of driving
for lounging, watching four movies and doing a bit of schoolwork on my laptop.

September 13, 2002

MS Word is not

MS Word is not a document exchange format
- this article neatly summarizes my opinion. I realized while reading it
that most of my friends and correspondents probably don't realize the extra
effort I have to make to read an MS Word document every time I receive one.
I guess if I were a rude person I would refuse to make the effort and insist
that anybody who wants me to read their communication use a standard, universally
accepted and appropriate format. Most of the time, that format is plain
text.

September 10, 2002

The year in retrospective

Chris Nelson has an interesting perspective today on
America's withdrawl from the rest of the world since 2001-09-11. I have to say that I don't think it could be said much better. In fact, if somebody else had
said it, it wouldn't have had the same potence as it does coming from an American.